Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Copenhagen

A towering building with fairly dated interiors, this Radisson Blu could use a style update. The lobby is large, but on the dark side, and its mix of marble floors, multicolored carpeting (with patches that could use some cleaning), and studded leather sofas in the limited seating area seems trapped in the 1990s. A separate area for meeting rooms incorporates minimal contemporary touches, like large ball pendant lights or a few funky modern chairs, but the overall aesthetic remains generic. However, views of the city and the Stadsgraven Canal from dining areas on higher floors are striking. The hotel caters mostly to corporate travelers, and lacks proper lounging areas, but an on-site casino offers some recreation for leisure travelers. 

The hotel is located in the harborfront area of Islands Brygge, a formerly industrial neighborhood now modernized with corporate offices and luxury apartment buildings. Downtown Copenhagen is a good 20-minute walk away, but getting there via the metro, which is available just five minutes from the hotel, takes just as long. Most attractions are best reached using public transport: the Tivoli Gardens are 10 minutes away, the Stroget shopping area is 15 minutes away, Rosenborg Castle is 20 minutes away, and The Little Mermaid statue is 30 minutes away. Copenhagen Airport is 30 minutes away on public transport, or 15 minutes away by car. The hotel does not provide airport transfers.

Clean rooms are decent in size and minimal in decor. Although chrome mirrors, fractal 3D wall art, and contemporary desk chairs are efforts to give the units some modern touches, retro carpeting and plasticky bedside tables keep them looking slightly dated. Standard and Superior Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, desks, safes, and free Wi-Fi, but aren't air conditioned. Tea- and coffee-making equipment is provided, along with minibars. Business Class and Suite-level rooms have Nespresso coffeemakers and free daily newspapers. Junior and Scandinavian Suites, plus Family rooms, can have slightly more stylish wood wall panels, desks, and closets, along with separate seating areas.Bathrooms with checkered brown and white tile floors and small sinks look dated, but are functional and come with shower/tub combos with handheld showerheads. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Guests complain of thin walls letting in noise from neighboring rooms, the street, and music from the casino. Floor-to-ceiling windows are useful for letting in light, though, and views of the city and canal from rooms on higher floors are beautiful.  

Features cater mostly to business travelers. Breakfast at the Filini restaurant is a sizable buffet including smoked salmon, cheeses, breads, pastries, hot items, and freshly squeezed juices, but it’s only included with rates for rooms above the Standard and Superior categories. Casual grab-and-go breakfasts offerings like granola bars and fruit are available in the lobby. Filini also serves Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner. The ground-floor Restaurant Kyoto serves Japanese fare. The Blue Elephant offers a Thai menu. A limited room service menu is available. The lobby’s Bus Stop Bar has tables with leather chairs, plus a counter area, and serves snacks and cocktails. The Red 7 Bar has a TV airing sports, but neither bar has memorable decor. There is no pool here. The gym is spacious and has a good range of equipment, but the fitness facilities feel as dated as the rest of the common areas. Personal trainers and massages are available. There are two squash courts. Slot machines, poker tables, and roulette are available at the casino -- the only one in Copenhagen -- but its late-night music is loud and can disturb other guests on adjacent floors. The hotel is well-equipped for business events, offering five meeting spaces, audiovisual equipment rentals, and catering services. There is also a business center, but it offers little more than just one computer and printer. Wi-Fi throughout the property is free. Babysitting services are available on request, along with express laundry services. There is a clothing store in the lobby. On-site parking is available, but for pricey daily fees.